Question for the Educated Crowd about calorie needs

C

Carol122201

Cathlete
Hi everyone! I have a question about calories needs and maintaining weight, while continuing to workout. Yes, I am an RN, but I don't work in an area where I keep current on all the latest fitness and nutrition info, as you may have noticed when I try to give my two cents worth on certain topics around here - LOL! Anyway ... I just finished the first week of WW maintenance, and despite the fact I ate 5 points (approximately 250 calories) a day on average over what I was eating while trying to lose weight, I still lost half a pound. Not a big deal - to be sure - and it could come right back next week, I know. The scale is affected by many things, and I know this. But my question is, what is the latest theory, or formula, or could someone with some actual knowledge in this area point me to a good site so I could find out how many calories I should be striving for each day? I want to stay where I'm at, basically, in terms of size. I'm solidly in a size 6, and could happily stay there the rest of my life. I'm also continuing to lose inches, by the way (I measure every month, but "peeked" this morning after I saw the half pound gone, just to see where I'm at), so I suppose it's conceivable I will be able to fit into size 4 if I continue to do this, but I'm not striving for that. I would like to just stay where I'm at, but continue to workout and build up my arms and legs a bit. I would also love to be able to see a six-pack in my abs, but I have a fat layer over those muscles, and I know spot reducing does not work. Will it also shrink over time? Any thoughts on this? My abs are much flatter now than they were six months ago, to be sure, but I have yet to see any muscles under there. I can feel them, but I can't see them.

So ... what do you all think I should do? Should I stop worrying if I lose a few more pounds, or ten, or whatever, and just continue to do what I'm doing? Obviously eating more last week didn't hurt me any, and I know you have to feed your body fuel to build muscle mass, but at what point can you simply maintain? Any helpful suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks!!

Carol
:)
 
Hi Carol:

I know you want to stay where you are at for weight and size, but isn't it a nice surprise to still be losing weight even when you don't necessarily want to? I mean, when you started WW and found Cathe and wanted to lose weight and all the struggles that go along with that, isn't it a nice change to be on the other side for a change? I hope I get to that point before the holidays.

I wouldn't worry too much about it yet, you might just flucuate within 5 pounds of your "normal" weight now. If you lose another 5-10 quickly I would be concerned, but otherwise I'd just enjoy my new body and have a few extra 'treats' this holiday season. :)

Good luck. Marcia :)
 
Hi Carol,

I use www.fitday.com to gauge how many calories I should be eating, based on my weight/height/age/activities. You get a calorie allowance based on your normal activity level, and then you add your exercise activity calories for a total you can eat to maintain your weight. It also allows you to keep a food journal to see if you are eating that much, or less, or more. You can set weight loss goals, etc., etc. It keeps me on track. The reports and barcharts are very enlightening!

PennyLaney
 
Hi Carol,

Post this over at Open Discussion and you are sure to get alot of feedback there ;-)

PS I emailed ya about the clean and press}(
 
Thanks PennyLaney! I found that link just yesterday on Connie's site, and it looks great! It's like the online journal I'm using on WW now, but it has way more info on it, and it's FREE! I'm going to check it out in greater detail later.

Carol
:)
 
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